Last March, my nieces, Emma and Sophie, came down for a visit with Aidan. Everyone had so much fun that I decided to turn it into an annual event. Well, until they get old enough to deem be too "uncool" for such a trip. :) Aidan had been really looking forward to Emma and Sophie coming to stay with us. This is a big deal to him. So about a week and a half ago I headed up to Iowa one night, spent the night at my folks', picked up the girls and headed right back to Missouri for this year's Cousin Trip. The girls had picked which things they wanted to do this trip and we packed as much as we could into 5 days. In fact, the day they got in we went to see Despicable Me in 3D. Sunday was the City Museum to climb and crawl around the exhibits. Unfortunately, we had to leave early since Aidan had an accident and I hadn't brought any extra clothes. Maybe we'll try again next year. Sunday afternoon it rained of course, so we weren't able to do much outdoors. Aidan was able to show the girls his new play set for a bit. Since the weather wasn't cooperating, Emma and Julien went to see The Last Airbender and Sophie and Aidan stayed home and played. Monday, Julien took some time off work and joined us at the Zoo. When we got there we met up with my neighbor Jen and her son John and toured the Zoo together. We rode the zoo train, which we usually skip due to long lines, we went in the penguin house, we saw the elephants, hippos, giraffes, tigers, and we did a LOT of walking. It was hot but we made it to the exhibits that the girls wanted to see most. And you can't forget a stop at the gift shop! :) On the way home, Sophie fell asleep in the car. I think we all were exhausted. We had all earned some ice cream, so after dinner we headed to Oberweis. After our ice cream there was some talk of letting Sophie push the car home after all the sugar but we managed to arrive home safely and with everyone inside the van. Tuesday Julien went back to work and we headed off to Grant's Farm. First thing we did was to see the Clydesdales. Not only did we see them but we had our picture taken with one! Well, the kids did. They got a couple minutes to say hi to him and pet him and get him all to themselves. Very cool. Then to the tram for the tour of the preserve and into the park. It was HOT! Whereas the day before at the zoo was hot but overcast, this day was hot and full sun. (In fact, when we got home I noticed that it was about 97 degrees.) Aidan was a little fussy in the beginning of the day. He was already suffering from fatigue and wanted Mommy. Apparently Emma was no substitute. Sorry Emma. But after we rode the carousel and fed the goats, he was much happier. In fact, we got snow cones and sat and ate lunch which helped everyone. We did more walking (I think at this point I heard some comments from the peanut gallery about the amount of walking we had done so far this trip.) and took a couple trips through the misters and saw everything you can possibly see at Grant's Farm. That would include not one but two gift shops. That was when Sophie found her pink cowgirl hat and fell in love immediately. So of course we had to take it home. Emma found a nice horse necklace with her birthstone and some postcards and things. Sophie and Aidan ended up with matching tree frogs too. After that, we were all thoroughly exhausted. When we got home I made not only Olivia take a nap but Aidan and Sophie as well. Emma ended up falling asleep for a bit on the couch and all was quiet. It was a much needed rest. After that day, we were all seriously beat but we decided we were up for one more adventure. We all changed into our swimsuits and headed to the pool. After the heat of the day it actually felt awesome. Julien met us there after work and helped me keep an eye on everyone. Emma tried the big slide and Sophie even was brave enough to go down the medium sized slide. I didn't think the kids would ever want to leave. Even Olivia was having a great time. I think the concensus was that a trip to the pool would be in order for next year. Wednesday morning came and we all packed up our stuff and got in the car. A quick stop for donuts at MacArthur's, our favorite bakery, then we were off. Once again Emma was a huge help in the car. She was a huge help many times during this trip but Olivia was happy to have some to look at and talk to on our way back to Iowa. As much fun as was had, I know the girls were glad to be home and back with mom. We all had a wonderful time together. I'm so glad that Aidan and Olivia have the opportunity to spend this kind of time with their cousins and have a close relationship with them. And the girls were so well behaved and mature being so far from home. I could see a big change in Sophie from the year before. She was more comfortable being away from home this year and much more brave. And Emma, well let's just say this. If she ever wants to come and stay at my house for the summer and be my helper/nanny, I would be willing to pay. She is so responsible and never complains about helping out. In fact she pitches in willingly. Needless to say, we are looking forward to next year's trip. So start planning now girls! Let's have an even better adventure next time! :)
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